Robert Roberson’s case spotlights Texas’ GOP divide on criminal justice

From left, state Reps. David Cook, R-Mansfield, Jeff Leach, R-Plano, and Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence hold a hearing on death row inmate Robert Roberson on Oct. 16. (Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune)

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Eleven years ago, Texas lawmakers passed what would become known as the state’s “junk science” law, allowing courts to overturn convictions later found to have hinged on discredited forensic evidence.